The Real Monster: “Victor Frankenstein”

Film Synopsis: Told from Igor’s perspective, we see the troubled young assistant’s dark origins, his redemptive friendship with the young medical student Viktor Von Frankenstein, and become eyewitnesses to the emergence of how Frankenstein became the man – and the legend – we know today.

Release Date: 25 November 2015

What? The Victor Frankenstein trailer is finally out?! Fan girls and fan guys are probably already trying to recolor the dark atmosphere to gif away on Tumblr. Let me preface this review of the trailer with the fact that I am unabashedly a huge fan of James McAvoy. Here’s where the “but” comes: but, I think I’m going to pass on this one.

Sadly with the lack of original movies it seems like the production companies have gone back to the overworked well of redone and resourced material. Even though I, Frankenstein is nowhere near similar to McAvoy’s upcoming film, it doesn’t help but exude a similar quality. Director Paul McGuigan tries to emulate the feeling of Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes franchise. From the fast cut scenes, to explosions, and even the dark coloring, this may be a modern adaptation we could have done without.

Despite the plot summary noting that the movie is supposed to be from Igor’s perspective, played by Daniel Radcliffe, there’s not much that really sells that in the trailer. The concept would have been slightly refreshing seeing as how Igor isn’t a hunchbacked dimwit as he’s often portrayed. Yet, all we get is a build of action, dramatic music, and really just a story we’re all pretty familiar with. Weirdly on IMDB, its genres are listed as drama and horror but really it feels more like it should be action and thriller. Sadly, nothing from the trailer left me to necessarily take the movie seriously. (Well, more seriously than if it were a summer action flick.)

Unfortunately, the trailer feels generic and no moments or lines really stick out to make you more engaged. Maybe because of the cast associated with the movie, I expected the movie be a little more enticing but it just leaves a little more to be desired – and not in a good way. Possibly once it comes out on streaming or rental, I wouldn’t mind giving the movie that seems to be a popcorn flick a go, but I’ll save my movie theater money for something else. For now, I’m hoping there could be more trailers that come out between now and then that shine a better light on Igor’s perspective or to hook the audience to make this movie look more favorable.